Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility. Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions. The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.) The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection. The D300 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system. Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options--Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System. Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened. The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus. The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust. Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined, functional, and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy, and comfort. The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode. The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture. What's in the box
Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM |
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0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Great cameraOct 27, 2009
I have a Nikon D300. I do professional work. So I bought this one as a backup.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Tanks to god I bought this camera...Oct 14, 2009
Well Im from COSTA RICA, in the tropics the dream of any fotografer is to have a camera like this...it works fantastic... Wow!!!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
a dream camera come trueSep 19, 2009
I am not a professional photographer or a techie, but I do appreciate good photography and good quality photographic equipment. I wasn't that thrilled with my Nikon D80 and I was very pleased with my Nikon D200 which I was able to buy new for $720.00 (What a deal!.) BUT the desire for this Nikon D300 kept nagging at me as I read more and more reviews. The best review ever is from The Imaging Resource (google it). So, I sold my Nikon D80, Nikon D200, and 3 prime lenses to pay for this new camera. I also purchased David Busch's Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide, which is very helpful. You will read all about this camera in many other reviews. I just want to say that color is accurate, Build quality is awesome, User friendly. Very little nose at high ISO. I think my favorite aspect is the four separate shooting menus. They are very user friendly (even for me), independent of each other, and you can always reset it to default if you think you are getting lost. I felt very safe navigating through all the menus. I use it with the Nikon 16-85mm VR lens (approx $600). Yes, you can take good photos with it right out of the box. Of course, you have more control over exposure, depth of field etc as you learn more about the camera. This is my advice. If you have the money, $1700 approx, buy this camera body! It is the finest camera body you can buy without going to full frame, which is immensely more expensive. Go ahead and buy Nikon kit zoom lens and upgrade to a more expensive lens down the road if you want to. In the digital world, it is the camera body that is crucial for accurate color rendition etc. As far as the lens goes, Nikon doesn't make a crappy lens. I find the VR (vibration reduction) lens very helpful because I don't like to use tripods. It is a bit on the heavy side compared to D80 because it is solid Magnesium Alloy body. If you want light weight, buy a compact. In the Nikon D300 manual, Nikon clearly states to never touch the sensor at all in any way. If you can't get the sensor dust off by blowing or by the built in dust vibration system, than make sure that a very qualified Nikon authorized person does it. (this goes for all digital SLR cameras). My previous film cameras were Minolta SRT 102, Leica Rangefinder M2, Contax with Zeiss lens, so I have owned some of the best. This new Nikon D300 DX digital camera does not disappoint me. I am going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Jean
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Going from SLR to DSLRSep 16, 2009
Prior to buying the D300, I was very familiar with film SLR's and had quite a bit of experience with digital imagery, but this was my first DSLR. I estimated that I was probably over the hump in the learning curve when I purchased this camera. BOY I WAS WRONG!
It turns out that wasn't such a bad thing. I've enjoyed the challenge, and the more I discover about this camera, the more I love it.
Unfortunately the user's manual that comes with the camera (400 pages), doesn't do a good job of coalescing the camera's individual features into useful information. There are A LOT of features and most of them have variable settings. Is it intimidating to think about all these variables every time you want to take a picture? You bet! Don't worry, Nikon has thought of this. By selecting between Shooting Menu and Custom banks allows you to change dozens of settings all at once.
I eventually bought a book on the D300 which covers everything in the manual but makes all the necessary connections between features and gives you a thorough understanding of how to effectively apply them (the author's name is Busch). I only wish I had bought the book when I bought the camera. It would've saved me a lot of time.
I'm happy to say that my D300 is now configured for nearly any photo situation I might encounter.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Nikon D300Sep 02, 2009
I have been waiting to write a review about this camera! Amazon does not always ask for a review on some items & others they ask for a revie before you get the product. I just can't wait! I have several nikon cameras. N90 (Film) A Nikon Coolpic Nikon D2H & a Nikon D90! I'm so Happy with the D300 I find myself using this camera & not the others! I can't wait to get to Jamaica again & start shooting. I recommend this camera to everyone. There coming out with a new D300 soon!
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